“Be it a straight fight or a three-cornered one, we will choose constituencies to contest in based on our own research and analysis as well as on the strength of our election machinery,” he said in a statement.

Hadi’s assertion comes after Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) formed a pact to ensure straight fights with the Barisan Nasional (BN) in the impending polls.

PPBM chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad had previously said the opposition could only topple BN if it contested under “one banner and one symbol” to ensure straight fights.

Prior to Hadi’s declaration today – which seems to quash any hope for straight fights with the ruling coalition – PAS had said it would not work with DAP and Amanah, two PH component parties.

In October, PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin said PAS was determined to fight the DAP head-to-head in the next general election even if it meant creating three-cornered fights or losing to its bitter rival.

Hashim also said PAS would reject outright any proposal by PH for it to join a greater Opposition coalition to fight BN if that pact included DAP, which was its former Pakatan Rakyat partner.

Despite this, PPBM has been actively trying to woo the Islamist party and form a formal alliance.